A to Z of Shipping Terms

8/7/2019 A to Z of Shipping Terms

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A TO Z OF SHIPPING TERMS:

AABSSeeAmerican Bureau of Shipping

ACEP

SeeApproved Continuous Examination Program

ADR

SeeArticles Dangereux de Route

AGVSAutomated guided vehicle system.

ASYCUDA

Automated System for Customs Data. This program dealing with customs declarations has beendeveloped by UNCTAD and is presently used by some 75 countries.

Abeam

1. Alongside, near amidships.

2. For navigational purposes in the direction of a right angle to the ship's heading.

AbsorptionAcceptance by the carrier of a portion of a joint rate or charge which is less than the amount which itwould receive for the service in the absence of such joint rate or charge.

Acceptance of Goods

The process of receiving a consignment from a consignor, usually against the issue of a receipt. Asfrom this moment and on this place the carrier's responsibility for the consignment begins.

Accommodation ladderMovable steps arranged temporary alongside e.g. a quay to allow access on board for officials, crew orpassengers.

Accompanied TransportThe transport of complete road vehicles by another means of transport (e.g. train, ferry accompaniedby the driver).

Accord Relatif aux Transports Internationaux de Denrees Perissables et aux Engins Speciaux aUtiliser pour ces TransportsAbbreviation: ATP

Agreement on the international carriage of perishable foodstuffs and on the special equipment to beused for such carriage.

Acknowledgement of ReceiptA notification relating to the receipt of e.g. goods, messages and documents.

Act of GodAccidents of a nature beyond human control such as flood, lightning or hurricane usually quoted as'force majeure'.

Active InventoryCovers raw material, work in progress, finished products, which will be used or sold within a givenperiod without extra cost or loss. This term does not cover the so-called reserve inventory.

Actual DemandCustomer orders and often also the allocation of items, ingredients and/or raw materials to productionor distribution.
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Actual Voyage NumberA code for identification purposes of the voyage and vessel which actually transports thecontainer/cargo.

Ad ValoremIn proportion to the value: A phrase applied to certain freight or customs duties levied on goods,property, etc. set as a percentage of their value.

Added ValueThe value attributed to products, and services as the result of a particular process (e.g. productionprocess, storage, transport).

Advance ArrangementAn agreement between the shipper and the carrier, concerning contacts between those parties prior totendering the consignment.

Advanced AmountQuantity of cash or cash equivalents expressed in a monetary amount given to a driver to coverexpenses during a trip.

Advanced Charge

A charge paid by a carrier to an agent or to another carrier, which the delivering carrier then collectsfrom the consignee. Such charges are usually for agents' forwarding fees and incidental expenses paidout of pocket for account of the shipment by an agent or other carrier.

Advanced InterlineAn interline carrier that picks up cargo from the shipper and delivers it to another carrier for shipment tothe consignee.

Advice NoteA written piece of information e.g. about the status of the goods.

Aeroquip SystemSpecial accessories in a container consisting of among others the attachment rails on the inside wallsto provide facilities for lashing and separation of the cargo.

AftAt, near or towards the stern or rear of a vessel or an aircraft.

back to topAgency FeeFee payable by a shipowner or ship operator to a port agent.

Agent

1. A person or organisation authorised to act for or on behalf of another person or organisation.

2. In P&O Nedlloyd, an Agent is a corporate body with, which there is an agreement to performparticular functions on behalf of them at an agreed payment. An Agent is either a part of the

P&O Nedlloyd organisation or an independent body. The following functions andresponsibilities may apply to the activities of an agent.

1. Sales

Marketing, acquisition of cargo, issuing quotations, concluding contracts in co-ordination with P&O Nedlloyd. Basically the agent is the first point of entry into theP&O Nedlloyd organisation for a shipper.

2. Bookings

Booking of cargo in accordance with allotments assigned to the agent for a certainvoyage by P&O Nedlloyd.

3. Customs

Dealing with the national customs administration for cargo declarations, manifestalterations and cargo clearance on behalf of P&O Nedlloyd.
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4. Documentation

Responsible for timeliness and correctness of all documentation required, regardingthe carriage of cargo.

5. Handling

Taking care of all procedures connected with physical handling of cargo.

6. Equipment control

Managing of all equipment stock in a particular area.

7. Issuing

Authorised to sign and issue Bills of Lading and other transport documents.

8. Collecting

Authorised to collect freight and charges on behalf of P&O Nedlloyd.

9. Delivery

The agent who releases the cargo and is responsible for its delivery to theconsignee.

10. Handling of cargo claims

Handling of cargo claims as per agency contract.

11. Husbanding

Handling non cargo related operations of a vessel as instructed by the master, owneror charterer.

Aggregate InventoryThe inventory for any group of items or products, involving multiple stock-keeping units.

Air ContainerAny unit load device, primarily intended for transport by air, having an internal volume of 1 m3 or more,incorporating restraint provisions compatible with an aircraft restraint system, and an entirely flush basebottom to allow handling on roller-bed cargo handling systems.

Air WaybillAbbreviation: AWBA document made out by or on behalf of the carrier(s) confirming receipt of the goods by the carrierand evidencing the contract between the shipper and the carrier(s) for the carriage of goods asdescribed therein.

AllocationThe process of assigning activities, costs or facilities e.g. space to a certain organisational units.

AllotmentA share of the capacity of a means of transport assigned to a certain party, e.g. a carrier or an agent,for the purpose of the booking of cargo for a specific voyage.

Always Afloat (AA)Provision in a charter party, that the vessel must remain afloat at all times when unloading anddischarging.

American Bureau of ShippingAbbreviation: ABSAmerican classification society which has established rules and regulations for the classification of

seagoing vessels or equipment.

AmidshipsAt or in the middle of a vessel.


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AnchorDevice for temporary securing a ship or floating structure to the seabed by means of a chain or cableand a weight with movable extensions (arms)

Apparel

1. A vessel's outfit, such as rigging, anchor and lifeboats.

2. The term used in distribution/transport of clothing for a single piece of clothing, a garment.

Approved Continuous Examination ProgramAbbreviation: ACEPAn agreement between the owners of the equipment and the responsible governmental body to allowcontinuous examination of the equipment (e.g. containers).

Apron

See Platform

ArbitrationThe process of referring to an agreed person for judgement on issues of dispute, without requiring the

use of courts.

Area CodeA code for the area where a container is situated.

Area Off Hire LeaseGeographical area where a leased container becomes off hire.

Area Off Hire SubleaseGeographical area where a subleased container becomes off hire.

Area On Hire LeaseGeographical area where a leased container becomes on hire.

Area On Hire SubleaseGeographical area where a subleased container becomes on hire.

Area of RepairGeographical area where a container is under repair.

Arrival DateThe date on which goods or a means of transport is due to arrive at the delivery site of the transport.

Arrival NoticeA notice sent by a carrier to a nominated notify party advising of the arrival of a certain shipment orconsignment.

Articles Dangereux de RouteAbbreviation: ADRA European agreement concerning the international carriage of dangerous goods by road.

back to topAssemblyThe stage of production in which components are put together into an end product appropriate to theprocess concerned.

AssignmentThe transfer of certain rights from one party to another.

Astern

1. Behind a vessel or an aircraft.

2. Backward; in a reverse direction.

Athwartships
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Across the vessel, that is, from side to side. Said of cargo stowed in this way, as opposed to length-wise.

AuditA methodical examination and review of a situation or condition (as within a business enterprise)concluding with a detailed report of findings.

Audit TrailA record of events, such as system access, network load, unsuccessful log-on attempts, that mighthave some significance for an investigation.

AuthenticationProof by means of a signature or otherwise that a certain document or certain data is of undisputedorigin and genuine.

Authorised Consignee / ConsignorA trader authorised by the European Commission (regulation 2454/93) to receive or despatchconsignments under transit procedures without having to present goods and documents directly at thecustoms office.

Authorization

The commission to a certain person or body to act on behalf of another person or body. The person orbody can be authorised e.g. to issue Bills of Lading or to collect freight.

Auto ContainerContainer equipped for the transportation of vehicles.

Automated Guided Vehicle SystemUnmanned vehicles equipped with automatic guidance equipment which follow a prescribed path,stopping at each necessary station for automatic or manual loading or unloading.

Automatic Identification

A means of identifying an item e.g. a product, parcel or transport unit by a machine (device) enteringthe data automatically into a computer.

The most widely used technology at present is bar code; others include radio frequency, magneticstripes and optical character recognition.

Automatic Identification ManufacturersAbbreviation: AIMInternational Organisation of companies and/or associations involved or interested in automaticidentification.

Average

1. In marine insurance: a loss or damage to or in respect of goods or equipment.

2. The numerical result obtained by dividing the sum of two or more quantities by the number ofquantities.

Average AdjustersIn general average affairs average adjusters are entrusted with the task of apportioning the loss andexpenditure over the parties interested in the maritime venture and to determine which expenses are tobe regarded as average or general average.

AweighDescription of the situation when the anchor has just been lifted from the seabed

AwningLight structure with canvas or wooden covering rigged above an open space to provide protection fromsun or rain.

BB/L


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See Bill of Lading

BC CodeSafe working practice code for solid bulk cargo.

BSI Container SpecificationBritish Standards Institution Specification for freight containers.

Back HaulThe return movement of a means of transport which has provided a transport service in one direction.

Back LetterBack letters are drawn up in addition to a contract in order to lay down rights and/or obligationsbetween both contracting parties, which, for some reason cannot be included in the original contract.

This expression is sometimes used for letters of indemnity, which are drawn up if the condition of thegoods loaded gives rise to remarks and, nevertheless, the shipper insists upon receiving clean Bills ofLading. Letters of indemnity are only allowed in very exceptional circumstances.

Back OrderA customer order or commitment, which is unfilled due to insufficient stock.

Back SchedulingA method of obtaining a production schedule by working backwards from the required due date in orderto predict the latest start date consistent with meeting that due date.

Backlog

1. The quantity of goods still to be delivered, received, produced, issued, etc., for which theplanned or agreed date has expired.

2. The total number of customer orders which have been received but not yet been shipped.

BalespaceThe balespace of a vessel is the capacity of cargo spaces under deck (including hatchways but

excluding void spaces behind cargo battens and beams) expressed in cubic meters or cubic feet.

BallastMaterials solely carried to improve the trim and the stability of the vessel. In vessels usually water iscarried as ballast in tanks, specially designed for that purpose.

Bank GuaranteeAn undertaking by a bank to be answerable for payment of a sum of money in the event of nonperformance by the party on whose behalf the guarantee is issued.

Banking SystemFor marine purposes the practice of always keeping more than one piece of cargo on the quay or in thevessel ready for loading or discharging in order to avoid delays and to obtain optimal use of the loadinggear.

BaplieAn EDI message to convey the Bayplan on occupied and empty slots in a certain vessel at a particulartime.

Bar CodingA method of encoding data for fast and accurate electronic readability. Bar codes are a series ofalternating bars and spaces printed or stamped on products, labels, or other media, representingencoded information which can be read by electronic readers, used to facilitate timely and accurateinput of data to a computer system. Bar codes represent letters and/or numbers and special characterslike +, /, -, etc.

Bare Boat CharterA charter whereby the charterer leases the bare ship and appoints the master and crew himself.

BargeFlat bottomed inland cargo vessel for canals and rivers with or without own propulsion for the purposeof transporting goods.
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BarsSpecial devices mounted on container doors to provide a watertight locking.

BaseHome depot of container or trailer.

Basic StockItems of an inventory intended for issue against demand during the re-supply lead time.

BatchA collection of products or data which is treated as one entity with respect to certain operations e.g.processing and production.

Batch LotA definite quantity of some product manufactured or produced under conditions which are presumeduniform and for production control purposes passing as a unit through the same series of operations.

Batch ProductionThe production process where products/components are produced in batches and where eachseparate batch consists of a number of the same products/components.

BattensMembers protruding from the inside walls of a vessel's hold or a (thermal) container to keep away thecargo from the walls to provide an air passage. They may be integral with the walls, fastened to thewalls or added during cargo handling.

BayA vertical division of a vessel from stem to stern, used as a part of the indication of a stowage place forcontainers. The numbers run from stem to stern; odd numbers indicate a 20 foot position, evennumbers indicate a 40 foot position.

Bay PlanA stowage plan which shows the locations of all the containers on the vessel.

back to topBehertragwagenAbbreviation: B.T. WagenA container wagon of the German Railways.

BenchmarkingThe measurement and comparison with a standard or others of efforts and results in the businessprocess for e.g. input, output, reliability, quality and customer satisfaction.

Note: For P&O Nedlloyd it is the comparative search for the best practices (processes) that will lead tosuperior performance of the company.

It must be seen as a positive and pro-active process to make the company's operations lean andimprove quality and productivity.

Bending-momentIs the result of vertical forces acting on a ship as a result of local differences between weight andbuoyancy.

The total of these forces should be zero, otherwise change of draft will occur.

At sea the bending moment will change as a result of wave impact which than periodically changes thebuoyancy distribution.

Note: The maximum allowed bending moment of a vessel is restricted by the class bureau to certainlimits, which are different under port and sea conditions.

Berne Gauge

The most restrictive loading gauge (standard measure) or the lowest common denominator of loadinggauges on the railways of continental Europe.

Berth


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A location in a port where a vessel can be moored often indicated by a code or name.

Best PracticeThe provision to a client of examples and constructive consultation for improved logistics processes inthe delivery of goods and services.

Bilateral Transport Agreement

Agreement between two nations concerning their transport relations.

Bill of ExchangeAn unconditional order in writing to pay a certain sum of money to a named person.

Bill of HealthThe Bill of Health is the certificate issued by local medical authorities indicating the general healthconditions in the port of departure or in the ports of call. The Bill of Health must have been visaedbefore departure by the Consul of the country of destination.

When a vessel has free pratique, this means that the vessel has a clean Bill of Health certifying thatthere is no question of contagious disease and that all quarantine regulations have been complied with,so that people may embark and disembark.

Bill of LadingAbbreviation: B/L, plural Bs/LA document which evidences a contract of carriage by sea.

The document has the following functions:

1. A receipt for goods, signed by a duly authorised person on behalf of the carriers.

2. A document of title to the goods described therein.

3. Evidence of the terms and conditions of carriage agreed upon between the two parties.

At the moment 3 different models are used:

1. A document for either Combined Transport or Port to Port shipments depending whether therelevant spaces for place of receipt and/or place of delivery are indicated on the face of the

document.

2. A classic marine Bill of Lading in which the carrier is also responsible for the part of thetransport actually performed by himself.

3. Sea Waybill: A non-negotiable document, which can only be made out to a named consignee.No surrender of the document by the consignee is required.

See also: Service Bill

Bill of Lading ClauseA particular article, stipulation or single proviso in a Bill of Lading. A clause can be standard and can bepre-printed on the B/L.

Bill of MaterialA list of all parts, sub-assemblies and raw materials that constitute a particular assembly, showing thequantity of each required item.

Bimodal Trailer

1. A road semi-trailer with retractable running gear to allow mounting on a pair of rail boogies.

2. A trailer which is able to carry different types of standardised unit loads, (e.g. a chassis whichis appropriate for the carriage of one FEU or two TEU's).

BinnacleSupport mounted on the bridge deck to hold the compass.

Block TrainA number of railway wagons (loaded with containers), departing from a certain place and runningstraight to a place of destination, without marshalling, transhipping or any coupling or de-coupling of
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wagons.

BoatA small open decked craft carried on board ships for a specific purpose e.g. lifeboat, workboat.

BoatmanPerson who attends to the mooring and unmooring of vessels.

BollardPost, fixed to a quay or a vessel, for securing mooring ropes.

Bolster

See Container Bolster

Bona FideIn good faith; without dishonesty, fraud or deceit.

BondedThe storage of certain goods under charge of customs viz. customs seal until the import duties are paidor until the goods are taken out of the country.

1. Bonded warehouse (place where goods can be placed under bond).

2. Bonded store (place on a vessel where goods are placed behind seal until the time that thevessel leaves the port or country again).

3. Bonded goods (dutiable goods upon which duties have not been paid i.e. goods in transit orwarehoused pending customs clearance).

Booking

1. The offering by a shipper of cargo for transport and the acceptance of the offering by thecarrier or his agent.

Booking Reference Number

The number assigned to a certain booking by the carrier or his agent.

BordereauDocument used in road transport, listing the cargo carried on a road vehicle, often referring toappended copies of the road consignment note.

back to topBottleneckA stage in a process which limits performance.

Note: Generally this is interpreted as a facility, function, department etc. that impedes performance, forexample a warehouse or distribution centre where goods arrive at a faster rate than they can betransported or stored, thus causing stock-piling at improper moments or in unwanted areas.

Bottom FittingsSpecial conical shaped devices inserted between a container and the permanent floor on the deck of avessel in order to avoid shifting of the container during the voyage of this vessel.

Bottom LiftHandling of containers with equipment attached to the four bottom corner fittings (castings).

BottomryMoney borrowed against a ship, or its equipment, repaid with interest upon the ship's arrival at port,and forfeited should the ship sink

Bow-trusterMachine located towards the forward end of a ship below the waterline, which can produce a lateraltrust mostly by means of a propeller.

BoxColloquial name for container (e.g. Box-club)
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Box PalletPallet with at least three fixed, removable or collapsible, vertical sides.

Branch Warehouse

See Distribution Centre

Break Bulk

1. To commence discharge.

2. To strip unitised cargo.

Break Bulk CargoGeneral cargo conventionally stowed as opposed to unitised, containerised and Roll On-Roll Off cargo.

Break-even WeightThe weight at which it is cheaper to charge the lower rate for the next higher weight-break multiplied bythe minimum weight indicated, than to charge the higher rate for the actual weight of the shipment.

BreakwaterA structure on board a ship, fixed to an open deck forward intended to deflect and disperse head seas

shipped over the bow.

Broken StowageThe cargo space which is unavoidably lost when stowing cargo. The percentage of wasted spacedepends upon e.g. the kind of cargo, the packing and the used spaces.

BrokerPerson who acts as an agent or intermediary in negotiating contracts.

Brussels Tariff NomenclatureThe old Customs Co-operation Council Nomenclature for the classification of goods. Now replaced bythe Harmonised System.

Buffer StockA quantity of goods or articles kept in store to safeguard against unforeseen shortages or demands.

Bulk CargoUnpacked homogeneous cargo poured loose in a certain space of a vessel or container e.g. oil andgrain.

Bulk CarrierSingle deck vessel designed to carry homogeneous unpacked dry cargoes such as grain, iron ore andcoal.

Bulk ContainerA container designed for the carriage of free-flowing dry cargoes, which are loaded through hatchwaysin the roof of the container and discharged through hatchways at one end of the container.

Bulkhead

1. Upright partition dividing compartments on board a vessel. The functions of bulkheads are:

o To increase the safety of a vessel by dividing it into compartments.

o To separate the engine room from the cargo holds.

o To increase the transverse strength of a vessel.

o To reduce the risk of spreading fire to other compartments.

2. A vertically mounted board to provide front wall protection against shifting cargo andcommonly seen on platform trailers (road cargo).

3. A partition in a container, providing a plenum chamber and/or air passage for either return orsupply air. It may be an integral part of the appliance or a separate construction.
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Buyer's MarketA 'buyer's market' is considered to exist when goods can easily be secured and when the economicforces of business tend to cause goods to be priced at the purchaser's estimate of value. In otherwords, a state of trade favourable to the buyer, with relatively large supply and low prices.

CCADSee Cash Against Documents

CAF

See Currency Adjustment Factor

CENSACouncil of European and Japanese National Shipowner's Associations.

Cabotage

1. Transport of goods between two ports or places located in the same country.

2. Transport of cargo in a country other than the country where the vehicle is registered road-cargo).

3. The carriage of a container from a surplus area to an area specified by the Owner of thatcontainer, in exchange of which and during which the operator can use this container.

CallThe visit of a vessel to a port.

Call SignA code published by the International Telecommunication Union in its annual List of Ships' Stations tobe used for the information interchange between vessels, port authorities and other relevantparticipants in international trade.

Note: The code structure is based on a three digit designation series assigned by the ITU and a one

digit assigned by the country of registration. (PDHP =P&O Nedlloyd Rotterdam)

CamberSlightly arched form of container-floors to strengthen the construction.

Capacity

1. The ability, in a given time, of a resource measured in quality and quantity.

2. The quantity of goods which can be stored in or loaded into a warehouse, store and/or loadedinto a means of transport at a particular time.

Capacity Control

Process of registering and steering of capacity.

CapstanMechanical device with drum having a vertical spindle used to tighten or slacken mooring ropes or tohaul an anchor.

Cargo

1. Goods transported or to be transported, all goods carried on a ship covered by a B/L.

2. Any goods, wares, merchandise, and articles of every kind whatsoever carried on a ship,other than mail, ship's stores, ship's spare parts, ship's equipment, stowage material, crew'seffects and passengers' accompanied baggage (IMO).

3. Any property carried on an aircraft, other than mail, stores and accompanied or mishandled

baggage Also referred to as 'goods' (ICAO).

Cargo AssemblyThe separate reception of parcels or packages and the holding of them for later despatch as one
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shipper (air cargo).

Caveat EmptorLet the buyer beware, purchaser must ascertain the condition of the goods to be purchased prior to thepurchase.

Cavitation

The formation of partial vacuum bubbles on submerged surfaces caused by low pressure arising froma hydrodynamic flow as a result of mechanical force, usually associated with the use of propellers. Thecollapse of the bubbles causes surface damage and pits.

CellLocation on board of a container vessel where one container can be stowed.

Cell PositionThe location of a cell on board of a container vessel identified by a code for successively the bay, therow and the tier, indicating the position of a container on that vessel.

Cell-guideSteel bars and rails used to steer containers during loading and discharging whilst sliding in the ship.

Cellular VesselA vessel, specially designed and equipped for the carriage of containers.

Central WarehouseA warehouse which performs central functions for a number of warehouses.

Centre of GravityPoint at which the entire weight of a body may be considered as concentrated so that if supported atthis point the body would remain in equilibrium in any position.

CertificateA document by which a fact is formally or officially attested and in which special requirements andconditions can be stated.

Certificate of AnalysisA document, often required by an importer or governmental authorities, attesting to the quality or purityof commodities. The origin of the certification may be a chemist or any other authorised body such asan inspection firm retained by the exporter or importer. In some cases the document may be drawn upby the manufacturer certifying that the merchandise shipped has been tested in his facility and foundconform to the specifications.

Certificate of ClassificationA certificate, issued by the classification society and stating the class under which a vessel isregistered.

Certificate of DeliveryA certificate, indicating the condition of a vessel upon delivery for a charter including ballast, availablebunkers and fresh water.

Certificate of Free SaleA certificate, required by some countries as evidence that the goods are normally sold on the openmarket and approved by the regulatory authorities in the country of origin.

Certificate of OriginA certificate, showing the country of original production of goods. Frequently used by customs inascertaining duties under preferential tariff programmes or in connection with regulating imports fromspecific sources.

Certificate of RedeliveryA certificate, indicating the condition of a vessel upon redelivery from a charter including ballast,available bunkers and fresh water.

Certification Authority (Key Management)The certification authority is the central party of a key management system. It provides certificates tothe users so that trust can be established between different users based on the trust between theRegistration Authority and users. These certificates are furthermore made available in one or more


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directories which can be accessed by all users.

Chain ConveyorA conveyor consisting of two or more strands of chain running in parallel tracks with the loads carrieddirectly on the chains.

Chain-Locker

Compartment at the forward part of the ship designed for the storage of the anchor chain.

ChargeAn amount to be paid for carriage of goods based on the applicable rate of such carriage, or an amountto be paid for a special or incidental service in connection with the carriage of goods.

Charge TypeA separate, identifiable element of charges to be used in the pricing/rating of common servicesrendered to customers.

Charter Contract

See Charter Party

back to topCharter Party

1. A contract in which the shipowner agrees to place his vessel or a part of it at the disposal of athird party, the charterer, for the carriage of goods for which he receives a freight per toncargo, or to let his vessel for a definite period or trip for which a hire is paid.

2. synonym: Charter Contract.

ChartererThe legal person who has signed a charter party with the owner of a vessel or an aircraft and thus hiresor leases a vessel or an aircraft or a part of the capacity thereof.

Chassis

1. A wheeled carriage onto which an ocean container is mounted for inland conveyance

2. The part of a motor vehicle that includes the engine, the frame, suspension system, wheels,steering mechanism etc., but not the body.

ClaimA charge made against a carrier for loss, damage or delay.

ClassificationArrangement according to a systematic division of a number of objects into groups, based on somelikeness or some common traits.

Classification SocietyAn Organisation, whose main function is to carry out surveys of vessels, its purpose being to set and

maintain standards of construction and upkeep for vessels, their engines and their safety equipment. Aclassification society also inspects and approves the construction of P&O Nedlloyd containers.

Clean Bill of LadingA Bill of Lading which does not contain any qualification about the apparent order and condition of thegoods to be transported (it bears no stamped clauses on the front of the B/L). It bears nosuperimposed clauses expressly declaring a defective condition of the goods or packaging (resolutionof the ICS 1951).

Clean on BoardWhen goods are loaded on board and the document issued in respect to these goods is clean.

Note: Through the usage of the UCP 500 rules the term has now become superfluous.

Clearance TerminalTerminal where Customs facilities for the clearance of goods are available.

Cleared Without Examination
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Abbreviation: CWECleared by customs without inspection.

ClientA party with which a company has a commercial relationship concerning the transport of e.g. cargo orconcerning certain services of the company concerned, either directly or through an agent.

Clip on UnitAbbreviation: COUDetachable aggregate for a temperature controlled container (Conair).

Closed Ventilated ContainerA container of a closed type, similar to a general purpose container, but specially designed for carriageof cargo where ventilation, either natural or mechanical (forced), is necessary.

Co-loadingThe loading, on the way, of cargo from another shipper, having the same final destination as the cargoloaded earlier.

Co-makershipThe long-term relationship between e.g. a supplier or a carrier and a customer, on the basis of mutual

confidence.

Co-shippership

See Co-makership

CoamingStructure around the hatch or door opening of a ship intended to provide seating for the cover, to stiffenthe deck or plates and to prevent the ingress of water.

CoasterA relative small ship plying between coastal ports.

CodeA character string that represents a member set of values.

Code ListThe complete set of code values for a data item.

CofferdamAn empty space on board of a vessel between two bulkheads or two decks separating oil tanks fromeach other and/or the engine room or other compartments.

Collapsible ContainerContainer which can be easily folded, disassembled and reassembled.

Combination ChargeAn amount which is obtained by combining two or more charges.

Combination ChassisA chassis which can carry either one forty foot or thirty foot container or a combination of shortercontainers e.g. 2 x 20 foot.

back to topCombined TransportIntermodal transport where the major part of the journey is by one mode such as rail, inland waterwayor sea and any initial and/or final leg carried out by another mode such as road.

Combined Transport Bill of Lading

See Bill of Lading R302

Combined Transport Document

Abbreviation: CTDNegotiable or non-negotiable document evidencing a contract for the performance and/or procurementof performance of combined transport of goods.
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ConesDevices for facilitating the loading, positioning and lashing of containers. The cones insert into thebottom castings of the container.

Conference

See Liner conference

CongestionAccumulation of vessels at a port to the extent that vessels arriving to load or discharge are obliged towait for a vacant berth.

Connecting CarrierA carrier to whose services the cargo is to be transferred for onward connecting transport (air cargo).

Connecting Road Haulage

See Drayage

back to topConsensusGeneral agreement, characterised by the absence of sustained opposition to substantial issues by anyimportant part of concerned interests and by a process that involves seeking to take into account theviews of all parties concerned and to reconcile any conflicting arguments. Consensus needs not toimply unanimity.

ConsigneeThe party such as mentioned in the transport document by whom the goods, cargo or containers are tobe received.

ConsignmentA separate identifiable number of goods (available to be) transported from one consignor to oneconsignee via one or more than one modes of transport and specified in one single transportdocument.

Consignment InstructionsInstructions from either the seller/consignor or the buyer/consignee to a freight forwarder, carrier or hisagent, or other provider of a service, enabling the movement of goods and associated activities. Thefollowing functions can be covered:

Movement and handling of goods (shipping, forwarding and stowage).

Customs formalities.

Distribution of documents.

Allocation of documents (freight and charges for the connected operations).

Special instructions (insurance, dangerous goods, goods release, additional documentsrequired).

Consignment NoteA document prepared by the shipper and comprising a transport contract. It contains details of theconsignment to be carried to the port of loading and it is signed by the inland carrier as proof of receipt.

Consignment StockThe stock of goods with an external party (customer) which is still the property of the supplier. Paymentfor these goods is made to the supplier at the moment when they are sold (used) by this party.

Consignor

See Shipper

ConsolidateTo group and stuff several shipments together in one container.

Consolidated ContainerContainer stuffed with several shipments (consignments) from different shippers for delivery to one ormore consignees.
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ConsolidationThe grouping together of smaller consignments of goods into a large consignment for carriage as alarger unit in order to obtain a reduced rate.

Consolidation PointLocation where consolidation of consignments takes place.

ConsolidatorA firm or company which consolidates cargo.

ConsortiumConsortium is a form of co-operation between two or more carriers to operate in a particular trade.

Consular InvoiceAn invoice covering shipment of goods certified by a consular official of the destination country, andused normally by customs or officials concerned with foreign exchange availability to ascertain thecorrectness of commercial invoice values.

ContainerAn item of equipment as defined by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) fortransport purposes. It must be of:

1. a permanent character and accordingly strong enough to be suitable for repeated use.

2. specially designed to facilitate the carriage of goods, by one or more modes of transportwithout intermediate reloading.

3. fitted with devices permitting its ready handling, particularly from one mode of transport toanother.

4. so designed as to be easy to fill and empty.

5. having an internal volume of 1 m3 or more.

The term container includes neither vehicles nor conventional packing.

Container BolsterA container floor without sides or end walls which does not have the ISO corner fittings and is generallyused for Ro/Ro operations.

Note: A bolster cannot be handled either full or empty by a container spreader without special gear.

Container ChassisA vehicle specially built for the purpose of transporting a container so that, when container and chassisare assembled, the produced unit serves as a road trailer.

Container Check DigitThe 7th digit of the serial number of a container used to check whether prefix and serial number are

correct.

Container DepotStorage area for empty containers.

Container Freight StationAbbreviation: CFSA facility at which (export) LCL cargo is received from merchants for loading (stuffing) into containers orat which (import) LCL cargo is unloaded (stripped) from containers and delivered to merchants.

Container LeaseThe contract by which the owner of containers (lessor) gives the use of containers to a lessee for aspecified period of time and for fixed payments.

Container Load Plan (CLP)A list of items loaded in a specific container and where appropriate their sequence of loading.

Container Logistics


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The controlling and positioning of containers and other equipment.

Container ManifestThe document specifying the contents of particular freight containers or other transport units, preparedby the party responsible for their loading into the container or unit.

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Container MovesThe number of actions performed by one container crane during a certain period.

Container NumberIdentification number of a container consisting of prefix and serial number and check digit. (e.g. KNLU123456-7)

See also: Container Serial Number and Container Prefix

Container OwnerA party who has a container at his disposal and who is entitled to lease or sell the container.

Container PlatformA container floor without sides or end walls, which can be loaded by spreader directly and is generally,used for Lo-Lo operations.

Container PoolA certain stock of containers which is jointly used by several container carriers and/or leasingcompanies.

Container PrefixA four letter code that forms the first part of a container identification number indicating the owner of acontainer.

Container Safety ConventionAbbreviation: CSCInternational convention for safe containers.

Container Serial NumberA seven digit serial number (6 plus 1 Check Digit) that forms the second part of a containeridentification number.

Container Service ChargesCharges to be paid by cargo interests as per tariff.

Container Size CodeAn indication of 2 digits of the nominal length and nominal height.

See also: Size/Type ISO6346

Container Size/TypeDescription of the size and type of a freight container or similar unit load device as specified inISO6346.

Container StackTwo or more containers, one placed above the other, forming a vertical column.

See also: Stack

Container SubleaseContract by which a carrier gives the use of containers to another carrier for a specified period of timeand for fixed payments.

Container TerminalPlace where loaded and/or empty containers are loaded or discharged into or from a means oftransport.

Container Type Code

Two digits, the first of which indicates the category and the second of which indicates certain physicalcharacteristics or other attributes.

See also: Container Size/Type ISO6346
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Container YardAbbreviation: CYA facility at which FCL traffic and empty containers are received from or delivered to the Merchant byor on behalf of the Carrier.

Note: Often this yard is used to receive goods on behalf of the merchant and pack these in containersfor FCL traffic.

ContainerisedIndication that goods have been stowed in a container.

ContrabandGoods forbidden by national law to be imported or exported.

ContractAn agreement enforceable by law between two or more parties stipulating their rights and obligationswhich are required by one or both parties to acts or forbearance by the other or both.

Contract LogisticsThe contracting out of all the warehousing, transport and distribution activities or a part thereof bymanufacturing companies.

Contract of AffreightmentAn agreement whereby the shipowner agrees to carry goods by water, or furnishes a vessel for thepurpose of carrying goods by water, in return for a sum of money called freight. There are two forms:the charter party and the contract contained in the Bill of Lading.

Contractual Port of LoadingA port at which an ocean vessel does not call, but which is equalised with the actual port of call andupon which inland haulage services and inland tariffs are based.

Note: Generally speaking it is seen as the port to be mentioned on the B/L from which cargo isaccepted (e.g. delivered by the consignee for sea transport).

Control

The registration and check on data and activities as well as determining supervising procedures andchanges related to procedures.

Convention Internationale Concernant le Transport des Marchandises par Chemin de FerAbbreviation: CIMInternational agreement, applied by 19 European railway companies, setting out conditions forinternational railway transport of goods and the liabilities of the carrier.

back to topConvention Relative au Contrat de Transport International de Marchandise par RouteAbbreviation: CMRConvention for the international carriage of goods by road, setting out the conditions of carriage andthe liabilities of the carrier.

Note: Adherence to this set of regulations reflects a desire to standardise items such as documentationand rules on the carriers liability.

Conventional Cargo

See Break Bulk Cargo

Convertor DollyAn auxiliary undercarriage assembly consisting of a chassis, fifth wheel and towbar used to convert asemi-trailer or a container chassis to a full trailer.

ConveyanceTransport of goods from one place to another.

Conveyor

A mechanical device in the form of a continuous belt for transporting cargo.

Core CompetenceThe combination of individual skills and use of technologies that underlay the various products and or
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services of a business.

Core DataThe fundamental set of data that is needed to convey the essential minimum detail for a specifictransaction type. Ideally the detail should be all required pieces of information with no, or at least thevery minimum of, options.

Core Master DataThe fundamental set of data that is needed to establish sufficient (but minimum) reference material tosupport the maximum use of pre-code, pre-agreed information enabling simple (minimum requiredcontent) transaction messaging.

Core SystemsSystems which are corporately owned and used globally. The systems are managed and controlled bya global team of specialists. The systems are considered as key for the general functioning of theentire company.

Corner FittingsFittings located at the corners of containers providing means of supporting, stacking, handling andsecuring the container.

Corner PostVertical structural member at either side of an 'end frame' of a container joining a top and a bottomcorner fitting (and thereby forming a 'corner structure').

Correction MessageA substitution for what has been wrong in a prior data interchange between computers in accordancewith interchange agreements.

Cost and Freight (...named port of destination)Abbreviation: CFR

See Inco Terms

Cost, Insurance and Freight (...named port of destination)Abbreviation: CIF

See Inco Terms

Council of European and Japanese National Shipowner's AssociationsAbbreviation: CENSAThe main objectives of this Organisation are to promote and protect sound Shipping policies in allsectors of shipping, to co-ordinate and present the views of its members and to exchange views withother shipowner groups.

Country of DepartureCountry from which a certain means of transport is scheduled to depart or has departed.

Country of DespatchCountry from which the goods are shipped.

Country of OriginCountry in which the goods have been produced or manufactured, according to criteria laid down forthe purpose of application of the customs tariff, of quantitative restrictions, or of any other measurerelated to trade.

Country of ProvenanceThe country from which goods or cargo are sent to the importing country.

CraneA machine designed for moving and lifting weight by means of a movable projecting arm or a horizontalbeam, which is able to travel over a certain distance.

Crew MemberAny person actually employed for duties on board during a voyage in the working or service of a shipand included in the crew list (IMO).

Critical Path MethodA network planning technique used for planning and controlling the activities in a project. By showing
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each of these activities and their associated times, the 'critical path' can be determined. The criticalpath is the series of successive activities which takes up most time and is therefore decisive for thetotal lead time of the project.

Cross TradesTerm used in P&O Nedlloyd for the services of a vessel between nations other than the nation in whichthe vessel is registered (UNCTAD).

Cruise ShipA ship on an international voyage carrying passengers participating in a group program andaccommodated on board, for the purpose of making scheduled temporary tourist visits at one or moredifferent ports, and which during the voyage does not normally: (a) embark or disembark any otherpassengers; (b) load or discharge any cargo.

CurrencyA medium of exchange of value, defined by reference to the geographical location of the authoritiesresponsible for it (ISO4217).

In general, the monetary unit involved in a transaction and represented by a name or a symbol.

Currency Adjustment Factor

Abbreviation: CAFAdjustment applied by P&O Nedlloyd lines or liner conferences on freight rates to offset losses or gainsfor carriers resulting from fluctuations in exchange rates of tariff currencies.

Customer

See Client

Customer Pick UpCargo picked up by a customer at a warehouse.

Customer Service

1. The way in which during a commercial relationship the wishes and demands of the(prospective) client are catered for.

2. Supporting activities at the customer interface adding value to a product (CEN273).

Customer Service LevelA performance measure of customer service.

Note: generally this is seen as the degree with which customer orders can be executed, in accordancewith the terms which are generally accepted in the market.

CustomsThe department of the Civil Service that deals with the levying of duties and taxes on imported goodsfrom foreign countries and the control over the export and import of goods e.g. allowed quotaprohibited goods.

Customs BrokerAn authorised agent specialised in customs clearance procedures on account of importers/exporters.

Customs Clearance AgentCustoms broker or other agent of the consignee designated to perform customs clearance services forthe consignee.

Customs InvoiceDocument required by the customs in an importing country in which an exporter states the invoice orother price (e.g. selling price, price of identical goods), and specifies costs for freight, insurance andpacking etc., terms of delivery and payment, for the purpose of determining the customs value in theimporting country of goods consigned to that country.

Customs Value

The worth of an item or group of items expressed in a monetary amount, within a consignmentdeclared to Customs for duty and statistical reasons.

Cybernetics
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The study of control processes in mechanical, biological, electrical and information systems.

Cycle StockThat portion of stock available or planned to be available in a given period for normal demand,excluding excess stock and safety stock.

DDamage ReportForm on which physical damage is recorded (e.g. containers).

Damaged Cargo ReportWritten statement concerning established damages to cargo and/or equipment.

Dangerous GoodsGoods are to be considered dangerous if the transport of such goods might cause harm, risk, peril, orother evil to people, environment, equipment or any property whatsoever.

Dangerous Goods DeclarationDocument issued by a consignor in accordance with applicable conventions or regulations, describinghazardous goods or materials for transport purposes, and stating that the latter have been packed andlabelled in accordance with the provisions of the relevant conventions or regulations.

Dangerous Goods Packing CertificateA document as part of the dangerous goods declaration in which the responsible party declares thatthe cargo has been stowed in accordance with the rules in a clean container in compliance with theIMDG regulations and properly secured.

DataA re-interpretable representation of information in a formalised manner suitable for communication,interpretation or processing.

Data CarrierMedium designed to carry records of data entries.

Data PlateA metal identification plate affixed to a container, which displays among others the gross and tareweights and external dimensions.

DeadfreightSlots paid for but not used.

DeadloadThe difference between the actual and calculated ship's draft.

DeadweightAbbreviation: DWTThe total weight of cargo, cargo equipment, bunkers, provisions, water, stores and spare parts which avessel can lift when loaded to her maximum draught as applicable under the circumstances. The dead-weight is expressed in tons.

Decision Support SystemAbbreviation: DSSAn interactive computer-based system which generates a number of alternatives to solve anunstructured problem. These alternatives are being interpreted by the manager (decision- maker),whereafter he decides which alternative is to be used to solve the problem.

DeckAny extended horizontal structure in a vessel or an aircraft, serving as a floor and structural support,

covering, partially or fully, a portion of the vessel or aircraft.

Declaration of OriginAppropriate statement as to the origin of the goods, made in connection with their exportation by the


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manufacturer, producer, supplier, exporter or other competent person on the commercial invoice or anydocument relating to goods.

Declared Value for CarriageThe value of the goods declared to the carrier by the shipper for the purpose of determining charges orof establishing the limit of the carrier's liability for loss, damage or delay. It is also the basis for possibleapplicable valuation charges (air cargo).

Decoupling InventoryA stock retained to make the independent control of two successive operations possible.

Decoupling PointThe point in the supply chain which provides a buffer between differing input and output rates.

Dedicated Service

1. A service specially designed for the use by one or more particular customers.

2. A service (e.g. feeder) totally under control of the P&O Nedlloyd Line

Deep Tank

Tank fitted and equipped for the carriage of vegetable oil (e.g. palm oil and coconut oil) and otherliquids in bulk. By means of oil-tight bulkheads and/or decks it is possible to carry different kinds ofliquid in adjacent tanks. Deep tanks may be equipped with heating facilities in order to carry anddischarge oil at the required temperature (P&O Nedlloyd).

Default ChargeA (standard) charge applicable for a trade, stretch or location.

In the absence of specifics (not otherwise specified/enumerated) a general amount has been set.

DegroupageSplitting up shipments into small consignments.

Delay in Transit (DIT)

Delay of shipment at the customers request.

Delivered At Frontier (...named place)Abbreviation: DAF

See Inco Terms

Delivered Duty Paid (...named place of destination)Abbreviation: DDP

See Inco Terms

Delivered Duty Unpaid (...named place of destination)Abbreviation: DDU

See Inco Terms

back to topDelivered Ex Quay (...named port of destination)Abbreviation: DEQ

See Inco Terms

Delivered Ex Ship (...named port of destination)Abbreviation: DES

See Inco Terms

Delivering CarrierThe carrier who delivers the consignment to the consignee or his agent (air cargo).

Delivery

The process of delivering the consignment to the consignee at the agreed place.

Delivery InstructionDocument issued by a buyer giving instructions regarding the details of the delivery of goods ordered.
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Delivery NoteA document recording the delivery of products to a consignee (customer).

Delivery Order

1. A carriers delivery order (negotiable document) is used for splitting a B/L (after surrender) in

different parcels and have the same function as a B/L.

2. The authorisation of the entitled party for the shipment to a party other than the consigneeshowed on the Air Waybill (air cargo).

Delivery PartyThe party to which goods are to be delivered.

Delivery ReliabilityThe proportion of total delivery occasions in which the time, place, quality and quantity of productsdelivered accords with the order.

Delivery ScheduleThe required and/or agreed time of delivery of goods or services purchased for a future period.

Delivery ServiceThe carriage of inbound consignments from the airport of destination to the address of the consigneeor his designated agent or to the custody of the appropriate custom department agency when required(air cargo).

Delivery TimeThe time between order and delivery.

DemandThe quantity of goods required by the market to be delivered in a particular period or at a specific date.

Demise CharterA contract whereby the shipowner leases his vessel to the charterer for a period of time during which

the whole use and management of the vessel passes to the charterer, which involves that the chartereris to pay all expenses for the operation and maintenance of the vessel. Officers and crew will becomeservants of the charterer.

A demise charter whereby the charterer has the right to place his own master and crew on board of thevessel is also called 'bareboat charter'.

Demurrage

1. A variable fee charged to carriers and/or customers for the use of Unit Load Devices (ULD's)owned by a carrier beyond the free time of shipment.

2. Additional charge imposed for exceeding the free time, which is included in the rate andallowed for the use of certain equipment at the terminal.

Density of CommodityThe mass of a commodity to its volume.

Dependent DemandA demand directly related to or derived from the demand for other items or end products. Dependentdemands are therefore calculated, and need not and should not be forecast.

DepotThe place designated by the carrier where empty containers are kept in stock and received from ordelivered to the container operators or merchants.

Depot LocationThe geographical place where one or more P&O Nedlloyd depots are situated.

DerrickLifting equipment on board a conventional vessel for loading and discharging cargo, consisting of apost attached to the deck and an inclined spar.


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DespatchThe process of sending goods.

Despatch AdviceInformation send by shippers to the recipient of goods informing that specified goods are sent or readyto be sent advising the detailed contents of the consignment.

Despatch DaysThe days gained if the free time included in the rate and allowed for the use of certain equipment is notfully used.

Despatch Note (for post parcels)Document which, according to the agreement concerning postal parcels, is to accompany post parcels.

back to topDestination

1. Place for which goods or a vehicle is bound.

2. The ultimate stopping place according to the contract of carriage (air cargo).

Det Norske VeritasNorwegian classification society.

DetentionKeeping equipment beyond the time allowed.

See Demurrage

Detention ChargeCharges levied on usage of equipment exceeding free time period as stipulated in the pertinent inlandrules and conditions.

DeteriorationThe downgrading of a product due to long storage, damage to packing or other external influences.

Devanning

See Stripping, Unpacking

Deviation from a RouteA divergence from the agreed or customary route.

DimensionsMeasurements in length, width and height, regarding cargo.

Direct Delivery

1. The conveyance of goods directly from the vendor to the buyer. Frequently used if a thirdparty acts as intermediary agent between vendor and buyer.

2. Direct discharge from vessel onto railroad car, road vehicle or barge with the purpose ofimmediate transport from the port area (usually occurs when ports lack adequate storagespace or when ports are not equipped to handle a specific cargo).

Direct InterchangeTransfer of leased equipment from one lessee to another (container).

Direct Product ProfitabilityAbbreviation: DPPSystem employed mainly within the retail sector for calculating the profit from any given product in anygiven position within the supply chain, requiring transparency and management of all logistic costs.

Direct RouteThe shortest operated route between two points.

DisbursementSums paid out by a ship's agent at a port and recovered from the carrier.
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Discharge

1. The unloading of a vehicle, a vessel or an aircraft.

2. The landing of cargo.

DiscrepancyDifference between the particulars given and the particulars found.

Discrete CodeA bar code in which the spaces between characters (inter character gaps) are not part of the code aseach character begins and ends with a bar. The spaces can therefore vary in width, specifiedtolerances.

An example is Code 39.

Dispatch

See Despatch

Displacement

The weight of the quantity of water displaced by the vessel. The displacement of the vessel on her lightdraft represents the weight of the vessel ready for use including stores etc.

Disposable PalletPallet intended to be discarded after a single cycle of use.

Disposal ChainA sequence of events in a goods-flow which gets rid of a specific good. This may include removal,recycling, waste dumping etc.

Disposal of GoodsThe act of getting rid of goods.

DispositioningAll activities relating to the inland movement of empty and or full containers.

DistributionThe set of activities which ensure the availability of goods in the desired quality, quantity, place andtime for the customer.

See also: Physical Distribution

Distribution CentreA warehouse for the receipt, the storage and the dispersal of goods among customers.

back to topDistribution ChannelThe route by which a company distributes goods.

Distribution Requirements PlanningAbbreviation: DRP-IThe function of determining the need to replenish stock at branch warehouses.

Distribution Resource PlanningAbbreviation: DRP-IIThe set of concepts, procedures and techniques, being an extension of DRP-I, for the effectiveplanning and control of the physical distribution.

DividerA vertically mounted partition in a compartment on board of an aircraft.

Dock BumpersCushioning devices (rubber, plastic, wood, etc.) mounted at the extreme rear of a chassis or trailer totake the impact when it backs into a loading dock or platform (road cargo).

Dock ReceiptDocument issued by P&O Nedlloyd acknowledging that goods are received for shipment.
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DocumentAnything printed, written, relied upon to record or prove something.

Document HolderUsually fastened to the door on the front of a container. May contain e.g. a certificate of approval of thecontainer.

Domestic CarriageCarriage whereby the place of departure and the place of destination are situated within one country(air cargo).

Domestic RateRate applicable within a country, and in most cases subject to special conditions other than those ofIATA (air cargo).

Door Lock Bars

See Bars

Door to Door Transport

See House to House Transport

Double BankingTwo vessels moored alongside each other on a certain berth.

Double Stack TrainA number of railway wagons, usually a block train, on which containers can be stacked two- high.

Double bottomConstruction of the bottom of a ship whereby a generally watertight space is formed between the shelland an inner bottom placed at a sufficient height above the baseline to allow access and to reducerisks due to grounding or colliding.

Double-deck Pallet

Flat pallet with a top and bottom deck.

Down TimeThe period of time when a machine is not available for production due to a functional failure ormaintenance.

DraftThe draft of a vessel is the vertical distance between the waterline and the underside of the keel of thevessel. During the construction of a vessel the marks showing the draft are welded on each side of thevessel near the stem, the stern and amidships.

Draught

See Draft

DrawbackRepayment of any part of customs or excise duties previously collected on imported goods, whenthose goods are exported again.

Drayage

1. The hauling of a load by a cart with detachable sides (dray).

2. Road transportation between the nearest railway terminal and the stuffing place.

Drilling RigA structure, which drills wells in the bottom in order to search for oil.

Drop off Charge

Charge made by container owner and/or terminal operators for delivery of a leased, or pool containerinto depot stock. The drop-off charge may be a combination of actual handling and storage chargeswith surcharges.
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Dry Bulk ContainerContainer consisting of a cargo-carrying structure, firmly secured within a framework, for the carriage ofdry solids in bulk without packaging.

Containers of this type have type codes 80 and 81.

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Dry Cargo ContainerP&O Nedlloyd container which is designed for the carriage of goods other than liquids.

DunnageStowage material, mainly timber or board, used to prevent damage to cargo during carriage.

Duty Free ZoneAn area where goods or cargo can be stored without paying import customs duties awaiting furthertransport or manufacturing.

EEDI For Administration, Commerce and TransportAbbreviation: UN/EDIFACT

The ISO application level syntax rules for the structuring of user data and of the associated servicedata in the interchange of messages in an open environment.

Econometric ModelsA system of simultaneous equations for forecasting, based on mutual dependency among the variablesused.

Economic SpeedThat speed of a means of transport which produces the best possible financial result for the owner.Such speed should not be in excess of the maximum or minimum output allowed for the engine(s).

Economy of ScaleA phenomenon which encourages the production of larger volumes of a commodity to reduce its unitcost by distributing fixed costs over a greater quantity.

Electronic BusinessThe process of transacting business electronically. This includes the sharing of unstructured ofstructured business information by any electronic means among suppliers, customers, governmentalbodies, service providers and other parties in order to conduct and execute transactions in business,administrative and other activities.

Electronic Data InterchangeAbbreviation: EDIThe transfer of structured data, by agreed standards from applications on the computer of one party tothe applications on the computer of another party by electronic means.

Electronic Data ProcessingAbbreviation: EDP

The computerised handling of information (e.g. business data).

ElevatorEquipment used to discharge some bulk cargoes such as grain which is removed from the hold by acontinuous line of buckets or by suction and carried on a conveyor belt to store.

Email (Electronic mail)The sending of unstructured messages through the use of computer systems from one person toothers.

Embargo

1. A government order prohibiting the entry or departure of commercial vessels or goods at itsports.

2. The refusal by a carrier, for a limited period, to accept for transport over any route or segmentthereof, and to or from any area or point, of a connecting carrier, any commodity, type of classof cargo duly tendered (air cargo).


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Emergency Medical ServiceAbbreviation: EMSMedical procedures in case of emergencies on board of vessels.

EncryptionA method of converting information into a form which can be transmitted over insecure channels suchas phone lines so that confidentiality is preserved.

EndorsementThe transfer of the right to obtain delivery of the goods of the carrier by means of the consignee'ssignature on the reverse side of a bill of lading. If the name of the new consignee (transferee) is notstated, the endorsement is an open one which means that every holder of the document is entitled toobtain delivery of the goods.

EnquiryDocument issued by a party interested in the purchase of goods specified therein and indicatingparticular, desirable conditions regarding delivery terms, etc., addressed to a prospective supplier witha view to obtaining an offer.

Ensign

1. Flag declaring a ship's country of registry.

2. Commissioned officer, lowest rank.

EnterpriseAn Organisation created to provide products and/or services to customers.

EntityA tangible or abstract thing of relevance to business about which data may be kept. Example:Customer, Order

EquipmentMaterial resources necessary to facilitate the transport and handling of cargo. Transport equipmentdoes under the given circumstances not have the ability to move by its own propulsion (e.g. sea

container, trailer, unit load device, pallet).

Equipment Damage ReportAbbreviation: EDRWritten statement concerning damage to equipment, based on a physical inspection.

Equipment Interchange ReceiptAbbreviation: EIRPhysical inspection and transfer receipt.

Estimated Time of ArrivalAbbreviation: ETAThe expected date and time of arrival in a certain (air)port.

Estimated Time of DepartureAbbreviation: ETDThe expected date and time when a certain (air)port is left.

European Article Numbering AssociationAbbreviation: EANAn international body responsible for administering the European Article Numbering system.

It has affiliates in many countries such as: CCG in West Germany, DCC in Japan, ANA in the UnitedKingdom.

Note: The North American body responsible for the Uniform Product Code (UPC) coding is the UniformCode Council. (UPC is considered a subset of EAN).

European Pallet PoolPool for the exchange of standard size pallets (the so-called Europallets) in European cargo traffic,formed in 1961 by a number of European rail administrators.


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European Zone ChargeAbbreviation: EZCA charge for inland haulage transport in case of carrier haulage in Europe.

back to topEven KeelSaid of a vessel which is balanced in such a way that the draft forward and aft is the same as the draft

in the midship of the vessel on both sides.

EventAn occurrence.

EvidenceSomething which supports a claim or hypothesis.

Ex Works (...named place)Abbreviation: EXW

See Inco Terms

Exceptions Clause

See Exemption Clause

ExcessGoing over the prescribed amount or degree e.g. excess luggage is luggage of which the weight isover the weight for free carriage.

Excess StockThat portion of stock on hand which is over and above the desired stock level.

Exchange RateThe rate at which one currency can be exchanged for another, usually expressed as the value of theone in terms of the other.

Execution

The actual act of carrying out a task.

Exemption ClauseA clause in a contract, which relieves the carrier's responsibility for certain events.

ExpectedLikely to occur or appear.

ExpeditingThe 'rushing' or 'chasing' of production or purchase orders which are needed in less than the normallead time.

Expendable Pallet

See Disposable Pallet

ExpensesCosts paid out in connection with booking of cargo and arranging transport (e.g. commission).

ExpirationTermination of a certain period.

ExportThe process of carrying or sending goods to another country or countries, especially for purposes ofuse or sale in the country of destination. The sale of products to clients abroad.

Export LicenceDocument granting permission to export as detailed within a specified time.

Export PackerCompany, packing goods for export.

Exporter
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The party responsible for the export of goods.

ExtractSummary or copy of something written, e.g. used in connection with the log book.

F

FALFacilitation Committee of the IMO.

FMCFederal Maritime Commission (Control of Shipping acts USA)

FTLFull Truck Load, an indication for a truck transporting cargo directly from supplier to receiver.

FabricationA term used to distinguish manufacturing operations for components as opposed to assemblyoperations.

Facilitation

The implementation of measures leading to the simplification, standardisation and harmonisation of theformalities, procedures, documents and operations inherent to international trade transactions.

Factory DeliveryThe delivery of goods by a factory whereby the goods are put at the disposal of another (internal) partysuch as a commercial department.

FairwayA navigable channel for vessels, often the regular or prescribed track a vessel will follow in order toavoid dangerous circumstances.

Fashion TransportTransport of clothing and/or garments including shoes, belts and handbags in dedicated means oftransport.

Feed BackThe flow of information back into the control system so that actual performance can be compared withplanned performance.

FeederA vessel normally used for local or coastal transport (for carriage of cargo and/or containers) to andfrom ports not scheduled to be called by the main (ocean) vessel, directly connecting these ports to themain (ocean) vessel.

FenderAn appliance made of rubber, timber and/or rope or other materials normally attached to a dock orquay used to prevent damage to the hull of a vessel especially during mooring and un-mooringoperations.

FerryShip carrying passengers and or vehicles engaged in regular short voyages, e.g. across a river ornarrow body of water, between two or more places or ports.

Fifth WheelCircular or wheel-shaped bearing mechanism, secured on the rear of the chassis of a truck- tractor thatengages the semi-trailer king pin with a spring lock device and supports the weight of the front end ofthe semi-trailer.

First CarrierThe carrier who actually performs the first part of the air transport (air cargo).

First In First Out

Abbreviation: FIFOThe method whereby the goods which have been longest in stock (first in) are used, delivered (sold)and/or consumed first (first out).


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Five FreedomsA collective term which depicts the five areas of 'rights' for the air-transportation of passengers orcargo, viz. (expressed in terms of an airline of country A):

Freedom 1the right to overfly a foreign country.

Freedom 2the right to make a non-traffic stop at a foreign country C en route to foreign country B.

Freedom 3the right to set down (off loading) passengers or cargo in a foreign country B from home country A.

Freedom 4the right to pick up (loading) passengers/ cargo from a foreign country B to country A.

Freedom 5the right to carry passengers or cargo between two foreign countries.

Fixed CraneA crane of which the principal structure is mounted on permanent or semi-permanent foundations.

Fixed Height Load-carrying TruckTruck carrying its load on a non-elevating platform.

Fixed Platform Truck

See Fixed Height Load-carrying Truck

FlagAn indication of the country in which a means of transport is registered through a reference to theensign of this country.

FlammableCapable to be set on fire under given circumstances. (Amendment 25 IMO DGS).

Flash PointThe lowest temperature at which a good produces enough vapour to form a flammable mixture with air.

Flat

See Flat Rack

Flat Bed TrailerA wheeled trailer or a semi-trailer with a flat cargo carrying surface or deck and without anysuperstructure.

Flat PackGarments packed in cardboard boxes.

back to topFlat Rack ContainerA container with two end walls and open sides.

FleetAny group of means of transport acting together or under one control.

FlexibilityThe extent to whi